Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is when tissue that lines your uterus grows into the muscular walls of your uterus.

It is ‘the presence of endometrial glands and stroma within the uterus or myometrium muscle. During monthly menstruation, this embedded tissue bleeds, leading to intense pelvic pain, inflammation and swelling, and heavy bleeding.

This condition is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed as Adenomyosis, often called Endometriosis of the uterus muscle, which causes both painful and heavy periods, painful sex, or dyspareunia.

With Endometriosis, spots of endometrial lining are located outside of the uterus, while in the case of Adenomyosis, this tissue is inside the muscle of the uterus… or an “Inside-Out Endometriosis”, as it used to be known.

To date, Adenomyosis has no clear causes, which can be frustrating. Studies have shown that people who have given multiple births and already suffer from Endometriosis are more at risk for Adenomyosis.

To diagnose Adenomyosis, a doctor will examine you and assess your symptoms. With this condition, the uterus may feel big, soft, tender, and sensitive to the touch.

Tests that your doctor can perform are:

  • Ultrasound
  • MRI
  • Pathology examination after a Hysterectomy procedure.

As far as treatment goes, the symptoms of Adenomyosis can be dealt with by taking pain medication or by preventing monthly menstruation with hormonal treatment:

  • Pain medication: The pain associated with Adenomyosis can be debilitating. Analgesics, anti-inflammatories, or strong painkillers can be prescribed.
  • Hormonal Treatment: This is not a cure, as the pain will return if the treatment is stopped. Oral contraceptive pills, contraceptive implants (hormonal IUD), or injections can be suggested by your doctor to relieve pain and stop monthly periods.
  • Surgery: If Adenomyosis is localized, it could be surgically excised. Sometimes the only solution to Adenomyosis is to remove the entire uterus. This procedure is called a Hysterectomy and may be suggested by your doctor based on your medical history, the extent of pain, and other symptoms.